Cash call to save surgery

A solution to the GP crisis in Troon has been found, according to MSP John Scott.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran has just been given an extra £ 11.6 million, taking its funding for the next year to £ 694.9 million.

The 101 surgery is for sale at offers over £ 400,000.

Mr Scott says just a small slice of the funding windfall could save it. His comments come ahead of tonight’s ( Wed) public meeting at Marr College to discuss the crisis.

Mr Scott said: “With the 101 Practice now under direct threat of closure and its 6,000 local patients facing having to find alternative GP services, I am calling on NHS Ayrshire and Arran to use a portion of this extra funding to keep the practice open. With the prospect of thousands of patients being displaced into Troon’s remaining two practices, and the severe pressure this would undoubtedly place on GP services locally, I believe it is time for the health board to intervene with a view to buying or leasing the building and running it directly.

“People have had enough uncertainty and its time they were given clarity.”

Health directors Eddie Fraser, Tim Eltringham and two senior primary care managers will attend.

Eddie Fraser, the director of East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership denied banning GPs from the summit, saying: “GPs are independent contractors and the decision whether or not to attend is solely at their discretion. We are not in a position to instruct or advise them not to attend.”

The 7pm meeting was organised by Councillor Phil Saxton on the back of a campaign by Dave Dewar and will be attended by all four town councillors.